Archivist

The Archivist is a tiefling who watches over  Raphael's precious collection in the Archives of the House of Hope.

“

I shall take your preposterous request into consideration. Submitting the necessary paperwork will take no more than six infernal cycles, amounting to thirty-seven of your mortal years.

„

— Archivist, about editing the player character's Soul-Sworn Contract

Involvement

Act Three

Before entering the Archives,  Hope warns the party about the Archivist. She says the party must exploit his weakness to get by. She says he fears authority figures, like Verillius Receptor, a High Inquisitor of  Zariel who has official permission to audit Raphael's collection. Verillius' true form is so ghastly and mind-scarring that she takes on guises when she comes to visit.

The party can exploit this by pretending to be that guise or simply demanding to see the  Orphic Hammer /  Soul-Sworn Contract:

• I've come for the Hammer. (if didn't make a deal with Raphael)
  • [DECEPTION] I just want to admire the craftsmanship. (DC 25)
  • [INTIMIDATION] How about I break bits of you until you change your mind? (DC 25)
  • [PERSUASION] I think I can use the Hammer to save the world. (DC 25)
• I'm a client of Raphael's, and had second thoughts about the terms of my deal. (if made a deal with Raphael)
  • [DECEPTION] I don't want to break it - Raphael said I could make some edits and clarifications to the wording. (DC 25)
  • [INTIMIDATION] How about I break bits of you until you tell me how to get what I want? (DC 25)
  • [PERSUASION] Raphael won't care about losing one measly contract. Just let me have it, and I'll leave. (DC 25)
• I am Karlach Demonsbane. I represent my mistress, Archduchess Zariel, and am acting as her High Inquisitor. (Karlach only) (auto-success)
• [DETECT THOUGHTS] [WISDOM] Access the schedule by reading his thoughts. (DC 10)
  • [DECEPTION] I am Verillius Receptor, Zariel's High Inquisitor. (DC 15) (also if told name by Hope)

Passing the Deception, Intimidation, or Persuasion check results in the Archivist fully believing the ruse. Unfortunately, he cannot provide access, as each is surrounded by an impervious sphere. The sphere requires a magic code that only Raphael has. Instead, he advises that the party wait in the Boudoir until Raphael has returned. The Archivist relinquishes the pass to the Boudoir and mentions to the party that the resident can give them the password. Finally, he can also be pickpocketed for the pass.

Attacking the Archivist, even if killing / knocking him out from a single strike and far from any witnesses, instantly nullifies the cover of the  Debtor's Attire and raises the alarm.

Items

• Boudoir Invitation
• Security Breach

Speak with Dead

• Who are you?

  • Archivist

    Raphael's... archivist... a most important man...

• What did you do here?

  • Archivist

    Maintained... the collection... and legal documentation...

• How did you end up in the House of Hope?

  • Archivist

    Calculated... true value of my soul... then sold it...

• How can I get the Orphic Hammer?

  • Archivist

    Sweat... blood... tears...

    • Archivist

      And... every other fluid... look to the boudoir...

• How do I get the contract?

  • Archivist

    Sweat... blood... tears...

    • Archivist

      And... every other fluid... look to the boudoir...

Related literature

• A List of Essential Personnel